1998 Power Sliding Door Problem

[Road_ster]

When I try to open the power sliding door by pressing any of the buttons, the door motor just makes a short click no matter how many times I press the button. The door won't open or close automatically. I tryed resetting the power door a couple of times and I checked the fuses. The door still does not open or close automatically. It just makes that short click sound when I press the button. What is wrong?

[rkvons]

The clicking is probably a relay that gates the power to the motor. Now you need to see if the motor is getting power. Have you looked at the contacts between the pillar and the door to see if they are tarnished? I would make sure they are clean. Do not use steel wool. You will create shorts.

[Road_ster]

The contacts are clean. It still doesn't work. What else should I do?

[Road_ster]

I lubricated all the tracks where the door drives on and the cable that runs through the motor. I still have the same problems no matter which buttons I push (overhead button, beside the door button, and remote keyless entry transmitter button). Also, previously when the power sliding door used to work and the door was open while the car was in gear, there would be a loud buzz to indicate that the door was not closed. Now when the door is opened and I put the car into any gear, there is no buzzing noise and the door does not operate.

[1999montana]

Originally Posted by Road_ster

I lubricated all the tracks where the door drives on and the cable that runs through the motor. I still have the same problems no matter which buttons I push (overhead button, beside the door button, and remote keyless entry transmitter button). Also, previously when the power sliding door used to work and the door was open while the car was in gear, there would be a loud buzz to indicate that the door was not closed. Now when the door is opened and I put the car into any gear, there is no buzzing noise and the door does not operate.

Follow the items mentioned in this post:

http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbul...d.php?t=913689

Some are related to your problem....

I would suggest starting with an examination of the wiring running under the carpet on both sides of the van. Look for signs of water damage or the presence of standing water.

All these things listed in your post, (and the post I have referenced) are frequently the result of water damage (often, but not necessarily always).

One exception; - the starter drive (or bendix) not engaging properly or grinding** (or worse, someone turning the key on an already running engine?)

** This one should go away with a don't do that again instruction!

[Road_ster]

Where exactly are those wires. I know there are some running under the plastic trim on the floor. It is located in the front passenger area beside the door on the ground. Are these the wire or are there more?

[1999montana]

Originally Posted by Road_ster

Where exactly are those wires. I know there are some running under the plastic trim on the floor. It is located in the front passenger area beside the door on the ground. Are these the wire or are there more?

"I love it when a plan comes together!"...Hannibal Smith - the A-Team

That would be the place to start...you can do voltage checks and continuity tests along the way to sliding door and related interlock circuits.

A loss of voltage tells you there is a high resistance somewhere in the circuit... just keep backing up until you can isolate it... look for any obvious corrosion damage to connectors too...

[Road_ster]

Someone told me that the plungers and plunger pads on the door and the door jam could be corroded. Where are these two things located and how do they look like?

[rkvons]

Just curious. When you say you tried resetting the door a couple of times do you mean you tried doing the recalibration steps as shown in the manual? There is a bunch ~6 or 8 little copper looking pads on the column where the door hits when it closes. These need to make good electrical contact with the same number of pins on the door. You should be able to see them easily. I am not an expert, but I would first make sure they were clean. I would use a very fine sand paper. Close the door manually and then try to perform the recalibration procedure as specified in the owner's manual. Someone else mentioned the wires running under the front passenger door sil-plate area. I would make sure they are not corroded. If that doesn't yield any results, I would pull the inside panel off and start looking at the electrical connections to the motor. My door works fine in warm weather, but when it's cold, it does not seem to close properly. I tried opening up the panal and seeing if there is a way to adjust it, but I could not find anything. Good luck.